Norwich City have made a classy gesture by agreeing to donate more than £200,000 towards the fight against coronavirus – from the wages of the club’s top earners.
The Premier League club have announced their players, manager Daniel Farke and their owners and directors will all donate a percentage of their salaries to help those in the local community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the Canaries said the fund will be first used to buy and distribute food and essential toiletry packages for people in need in the city of Norwich and surrounding areas in Norfolk, using their Carrow Road stadium as a base and the club’s fleet of Community Sports Foundation minibuses.
Funds will also be released to a selection of local charities and organisations who are in need of financial support during this time.
It is believed Norwich’s playing staff has contributed a large proportion of the club’s total donation.
Club captain Grant Hanley told canaries.co.uk: “There are clearly a lot of complexities and discussions happening at this time, but right now this absolutely is the best thing we can do for our community.
“As a group of players, we wanted to stand up and do our bit. The lads have heard at first-hand stories and challenges that some of our supporters are currently facing.
“We need to make sure we’re reaching out and helping those who have been hit hard and are struggling at this time.
“It’s clear the club are doing everything possible to help both staff, fans and the wider community at this challenging time, and we want to make sure we’re also contributing.”
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This gesture comes after the club also announced they, along with an increasing number of English clubs, are planning to place members of staff on the government’s furlough scheme.
Premier League rivals Tottenham and Newcastle have come under fire for furloughing their non-playing staff, with Spurs giving them a 20 per cent wage cut, while their players have remained on full pay.
